Taking the BEST Portrait yet! | Large Format Photography

Taking some portraits on 8x10 large format.

Video recorded on Panasonic S1H and iPhone, using RODE Microphones.

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George:

#PHOTOGRAPHY

[SpontSpiceWeasel]

Don't stress about filming the shoots, if you think it'll detract from the subject's experience just tell us about it after. The final images speak for themselves 😊

[BryanBirks]

Filming video while photographing large format portraits is damn near impossible. Like the other comment above, just worry about the photos. A sit down talk over the images is fine and I still learn a ton.

Your channel is one of my favorites and it never gets old. It’s a look at your process and your evolution. Highly enjoyable George. 🖤

[AManWhoWasntThere]

Your artistic process and the results you get are more important than giving us footage of the process. You just showing us the photos and talking about them is enough. I love these videos!

[mattfrancisco]

I’m loving what you have to say about working with subjects. It’s becoming more clear to me lately that the image is much less about the technical process of shooting than I thought, and more about just creating a space and a social interaction that is positive and comfortable. That’s how a great photo is made with any camera.

[NOTEVENBLONDE]

I love the way you’re looking at things. The fact that you are interested in sharing your experience with the other person involved. That’s really nice and kind of you. That reminds me of the first and only portrait I took of a stranger. It took me a good 15+ minute, to get the courage to ask. I was so shy and anxious. But I promised myself I would comeback and give him the photo. What made me think like that, was the fact that, when I asked for the photo, he looked kinda pissed, like I was taking a piece of him with me, for my own benefit. And than, the fact that he was a homeless person got me wandering, maybe it doesn’t even own photos of himself, specially more recent ones, since he doesn’t have a home. I really need to print that photo and find that man.

[ribbitrocks]

i so enjoy your work and style in photography and easy delivery when talking which is not easy/ so natural - thank you !!

[jamesbrockett]

I find these videos about your artistic process and thinking incredibly satisfying. It has inspired me to think differently about my own process and the medium itself. Thank you George

[ChrisMarxen]

I totally can relate to that struggle. It seems much easier for landscape photographers. I shoot LF portraits of strangers outdoors in their work time and it's tough to juggle all the gear and their pressure to get back to work. I think you got enough footage to illustrate the point. I don't even need to hear the subject. It's enough when you tell their story or your impression of them.
Great job mate, really loved the whole video.

[rossmalik]

i like how transparent you are on what can be seen as a sensitive project. thanks nf.

[jessebeecherphoto]

I've been thinking a lot on that same struggle of the idea of making content about a photoshoot during the shoot itself lately. I'm constantly feeling like I need to be doing something extra to "make it" in the medium, but at the same time I so badly hate to be taken out of the flow of the moment during shoots in that way. It's nice to see those thoughts echoed by another artist that I look up to.

[robvisualstreetphotography]

Some call it disability...I call it your signature look! Great portrait. It shows what photography is about!

[Tom-Humble]

100% agree with you about the whole multitasking with filming and photos. I've been doing similar recently shooting 4x5 portraits of people on the street. The best solution I've found so far is to wear a gopro mounted to my chest as that way I can just leave it running and forget about it. The sitter doesn't really give it much consideration and neither do I. Not all the footage is usable but I get some decent parts of our conversation included which sometimes when meeting a stranger can be the best thing.

[mdawg]

These are so great! Reminds me a bit of the whole "porch portraits" thing a lot of us did in 2020 (myself included). I really enjoyed the experience as a photographer and I think folks got somethign out of it. Admittedly shooting with my digital stuff wasn't my favorite part, but a few folks wanted their portrait on film and it was grand! I want to do this again, on large format as well. Not sure about 4x5 or 8x10, but if the latter, using my old school barrel lens would be even more fun for folks (just not sure I can get slow enough exposures).

At any rate I LOVE!!! this series and am so glad you're sharing it! I think the level you are able to share is also reasonable, since I agree, capturing people "as they are" would seem a lot more difficult to do with a bunch of vlogging gear? The portraits you have shared so far, seem very real and have a human intimate quality. I don't know if it's worth the trade-off of seeing more vlogging footage of you taking the portrait if it means a less human photo based on how this series is coming together?

Either way, whatever you do, this has been amazing and just a treat to see! Among the favorite videos you've shared (though nothing can compare to the super Bass-Mode-Ball-Cam - that was top notch)

[connoryballantyne]

You and Sean Tucker share such a great balance between sharing mechanics and the philosophy inherent to art mediums in your videos. So much respect and I echo most ppl here- focus on the Work. Youtube can catch up later.

[jayerjavec]

I understand exactly your dilemma and rest assured - you get it, you answered those concerns already. Distractions certainly influence the intimate bond with the subject you're interacting with. Don't let anything break that bond. I admire your honesty and clear thinking. Not much photogtaphers these days go to the set using their head but rather rush with their mind already some where else.

[BrackDynamite]

Really enjoying this series. Your large format work is some of your best IMO. Great to hear you're enjoying the project as well!

[RobertFGardner]

You do a great job at what you do. I always wait with anticipation on your next video. Just keep doing what you do!

[michaelgermundson]

Another great video. The personal story and sharing of image made the video feel complete.
Maybe after 10 or 20 guests, you’ll find one to reshoot with a behind the scenes video.

[asherhunt]

I love what you are doing with this project. So inspiring.

[robbiemurrie]

Luckily no one at my college seems to care about large format so over Christmas break I'm taking out the college Sinar 4x5 which apparently gets booked out "once a year at most" and I'm going to take some portraits. I think the ones you've taken in this video are the best so far. If I wasn't in Glasgow I would've loved to put myself forward for your project and would love to take your portrait on 4x5. Maybe if you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods we can make that happen.